The World After Leaving the Hero’s Party

Chapter 6: Reunion (1)

The room prepared for me was quite nice. Calling it a room seemed like an understatement; it was more like a small home.

Sitting in this luxurious space adorned with ornate decorations and plush carpets, I held up the teleportation ring. The crimson gemstone set in the center of the black ring emitted a subtle glow, proving its magical power.

Having earned it through completing achievements, it seemed I could use it even within the palace, despite the magical interference in place.

After confirming the ring’s glow, I checked my remaining achievements.

There was still quite a way to go to complete the currently active quest, “From Now on, I’m an S-Class Adventurer.”

In the game, a few mouse clicks would have been enough, but with this as my reality, it was an absurd waste of time.

Factoring in the wait times and travel times… it’s honestly exhausting.

But since I can’t exactly skip it, I’ll have to overlap it with other achievements whenever possible.

“And then…”

I opened my itinerary.

Among the achievements requiring participation in various village festivals and events, one achievement caught my eye.

[Royal Capital’s Summer Waterway Festival: Two-Time Champion]

[First Championship Teammate – Claire Rayfield]

That phrase stirred memories of the past right before my eyes.

—

“A festival?”

We had just defeated the Demon Lord’s third lieutenant.

The Doppelganger King was a formidable foe who inhabited the body of a noble and created undead minions. However, with the Mirror of Truth acquired from the Nightmare Cave, I revealed its true form and took it down.

With no immediate signs of another of the Demon Lord’s lieutenants appearing, the Hero’s Party was able to relax in the capital for the first time in a while, and I took this chance to prepare for completing my achievements.

“Hmm… Are we really going to participate in a festival?”

Claire, looking hesitant, glanced at me, then gave a slight nod.

“What about Tia and Eva?”

“Leventia went back to her knightly duties for the official summer training, and Evangeline said she didn’t want to be around too many humans.”

“Really? So, it’ll just be the two of us?”

“Looks like it.”

“A-Anyway… are you sure? You must be tired. Is there something else you need to do?”

Me?

Of course I was fine.

Though we were in the middle of progressing through the main storyline, achievements that could be completed now had to be tackled as soon as possible.

Especially the summer and winter festivals in the royal capital, which had limited timeframes. I needed to get them done while I could.

Claire’s sun-like eyes narrowed in a warm smile. She crossed her arms and tilted her head with a bashful grin before flopping onto the bed.

“Ahh… but honestly, I kind of want to just rest since I’m so tired.”

“Then go ahead and rest.”

I could always bring along anyone willing enough to join as a festival partner. There was no reason I had to drag anyone along against their will.

“W-Wait! Hold on a sec! Sorry, sorry! I’ll go with you, alright?!”

Until just a moment ago, Claire had been smirking like a Cheshire cat, but now, she clung tightly to the hem of my robe, her expression mixed with embarrassment. I shrugged, watching her struggle.

She was coming anyway; why the act?

Every summer and winter, the royal capital held a festival.

One of them was the Summer Waterway Festival, an event using the river running through the heart of the capital to beat the summer heat.

In the game, it was an excuse to showcase swimwear for companions or female characters.

Participating twice and fully enjoying the festival both times was also an achievement requirement.

I was mulling over the achievements I could pursue alongside the main storyline, staring blankly at the entrance to the riverside festival grounds, when I felt someone tap my shoulder.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Whispers and exclamations of admiration spread among the crowd around us.

It was no wonder.

Her golden hair gleamed under the bright sunlight, and her eyes, like twin suns, made her shine more than anyone else present.

She wore a sleeveless dress that fell just above her knees, with sandals that matched her fair skin instead of her usual boots, leaving her legs bare.

Claire Rayfield looked as vibrant and beautiful as she did in the game, radiating lively charm.

“Hehe.”

“Isn’t that a bit much?”

Claire, with a stunning figure and beautiful appearance that could turn the heads of men and women alike, was still a rural girl at heart.

She would blush just looking at slightly revealing armor, so this outfit—with bare arms, shoulders, and a skirt that swayed to reveal her white thighs—was quite bold for her.

When I asked, she blushed slightly.

“W-Well, I am a hero.”

“What’s that got to do with it?”

“It’s a show of courage!”

“Oh, really? Well, it suits you.”

Since she was obviously fishing for a compliment, I decided to indulge her.

To complete this achievement, I’d have to visit all the mini-games and shops during the festival period.

No need to waste time on unnecessary quarreling.

“O-Oh! Hyun Woo… You have an eye for things, huh? I dressed up especially today. You should feel honored.”

Puffed up with pride, she excitedly slapped my back, grinning as if she couldn’t contain her joy at the compliment.

“Let’s go. There’s a lot to do.”

“Mm!”

Claire laughed, clearly delighted.

—

I might have done it for the achievement, but I had to admit that it was pretty fun back then.

It’s all in the past now, though.

The real question was who to go with this year.

Reviewing my future goals, I checked other achievements besides the two-time summer festival champion. The plans for my achievements were on track, with no major deviations.

Some things had progressed more than expected, while others were lagging slightly, but this was within an acceptable margin.

At this rate, I should be able to complete all my achievements within a year or two.

Yes.

As long as there are no major problems.

Knock, knock.

A knocking sound came from the door. When I granted entry, the head maid opened it with a respectful bow, just as she had done when she first entered. She spoke in a calm tone.

“His Majesty has summoned you.”

“Is that so?”

Since I’d been called, I had to go.